Just 27 miles northeast of Springfield, Illinois sits a town many people pass without ever knowing its story. Tucked 12 miles off Interstate 55 in Logan County, Mount Pulaski, Illinois is easy to overlook on a map.
But in 2026, nobody is overlooking Mt. Pulaski.
Founded in 1836 and named after Revolutionary War hero Casimir Pulaski, Mount Pulaski once served as the Logan County seat from 1848 to 1855. Its historic courthouse was even frequented by Abraham Lincoln. History runs deep here.
So does pride.
This winter, what the Mt. Pulaski Hilltoppers girls basketball team has shown the state is that this town may be small — but it is mighty.
A Season Beyond Expectations
Coming into the year, expectations were simple: be solid. Compete. Represent the town well.
No one predicted 32-1.
Now, the Hilltoppers head into the State Finals at 10 a.m. on March 5 with a chance to advance to Saturday’s state championship game, where they will face the Brown County Hornets.
What makes this run special isn’t just the wins. It’s who they’re playing for.
Playing for More Than Themselves
Mt. Pulaski is a town that eats, sleeps, and breathes high school sports. Friday nights, packed gyms, community send-offs — it’s a way of life. Everyone rallies behind their student-athletes, supporting them not only on the court but in the classroom and throughout the community.
This season carried deeper meaning.
The community endured heartbreaking loss with the passing of Matt Olsen at just 34 years old after battling heart failure. A faithful member of the community and father of five, Matt’s fight and spirit touched countless lives in Mt. Pulaski.
Earlier this season, the girls hosted a “Hoops for Hope” night, rallying together to raise funds and show support for Matt and his family. It was more than a basketball game — it was a community standing shoulder to shoulder.
Following his tragic passing during the postseason, the Hilltoppers began wearing red ribbons, a symbol that they are fighting for something bigger than wins and trophies. They are playing for a town mourning a beloved man.
Tested All Season Long
This team was battle-tested long before March.
In the regular season, they went toe-to-toe with strong competition like Illini Bluffs, proving early that they could compete with anyone in the state. Close games and tough environments shaped their identity.
In the postseason, they showed grit in physical matchups against Toledo Cumberland and in a hard-fought Super-Sectional victory over Edwards County on Monday night.
Each time, they fought. Each time, they found a way.
That resilience mirrors their town.
When the Hilltoppers traveled to Arcola for the Super-Sectional — nearly an hour-and-a-half drive — the distance didn’t matter. The stands were filled. The noise was loud. The entire community showed up.
Mt. Pulaski has even ensured students could attend playoff games free of charge, removing barriers so everyone could be part of the moment. That’s what this place does — it takes care of its own.
More Than a Game
What people often miss about Mt. Pulaski is the tightness of the community. It may not sit along a major highway. It may not always be talked about. But it is a hardworking town filled with pride, loyalty, and heart.
Community and small towns are what we at ILSportsWire specialize in covering, and this winter has reminded us exactly why. The support, the unity, the way they rally around one another — it’s something special.
Mt. Pulaski may be overlooked on a map.
But not in 2026.
At 10 a.m. on March 5, the Hilltoppers will take the floor with a chance to advance to the state championship. They won’t just carry a 32-1 record with them.
They’ll carry a town.
ILSportsWire will be there with live updates and coverage as Mt. Pulaski continues its unforgettable run.